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Sirturo vs. Levaquin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Bedaquiline (Sirturo) and levofloxacin are both antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, but they belong to different medication classes and have different uses. Bedaquiline is specifically used for tuberculosis that doesn't respond to other treatments, while levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for a variety of infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. Bedaquiline requires a specific dosing schedule over 24 weeks. Levofloxacin is typically taken once daily, with the dose and duration depending on the infection being treated. Bedaquiline is not available as a generic, making it more expensive, whereas levofloxacin is available as both a branded and generic medication. Both medications can cause serious side effects. Bedaquiline is associated with a higher risk of death and heart rhythm problems, while levofloxacin can cause tendon rupture and nerve damage. Additionally, bedaquiline must be taken with at least three other tuberculosis treatments.

Sirturo

(bedaquiline)

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Levofloxacin

 

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Summary for Sirturo

Prescription only

Sirturo (bedaquiline) is reserved for treating tuberculosis (TB) that's resistant to other antibiotics. It's an antitubercular agent that helps kill the bacteria causing TB. Sirturo (bedaquiline) is FDA approved for adults and children over the age of 2 who weigh at least 18 lbs. It's a tablet that you take by mouth. You first take the dose once daily for 2 weeks, and then you take half that dose three times a week for the next 22 weeks. Common side effects include nausea, joint pain, and headache. You must take Sirturo (bedaquiline) with other TB medications.

Indications for Sirturo

Pros and Cons for Sirturo

Pros

  • Treats multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which is a serious health problem with few antibiotic options
  • Okay for children as young as 2 years old to take
  • Taken once daily for 2 weeks, then 3 times a week for the rest of treatment
  • Have many options if you have trouble swallowing tablets whole
  • Can be given through a feeding tube, if needed

Cons

  • Must have a healthcare professional watch you take the medication each time to make sure you follow your treatment plan
  • Must take multiple tablets for each dose and treatment lasts many months
  • Must take with at least 3 other TB medications
  • Only used if absolutely needed because of serious risks
  • Not for latent TB (inactive TB) or TB that's spread outside the lungs

Common Side Effects for Sirturo

  • Nausea (38%)
  • Joint pain (33%)
  • Headache (28%)
  • Coughing up blood (18%)
  • Chest pain (11%)
  • Low appetite (9%)
  • Higher liver enzyme levels (9%)
  • Rash (8%)

Note: Side effects were reported in adults taking Sirturo (bedaquiline) with other TB medications. Side effects might differ in children.

Warnings for Sirturo

  • Heart rhythm problems
  • Possible higher risk of death based on adult studies
  • Liver damage
  • Drug interactions

Summary for Levaquin

Prescription only

Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It can treat many types of bacterial infections, including pneumonia and urinary tract infections (UTIs). But because levofloxacin can cause serious side effects, such as tendon rupture and nerve damage, it's usually only prescribed for more serious infections or when safer options aren't available. Levofloxacin is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include nausea, headache, and diarrhea. Levofloxacin is generic only, brand-name Levaquin is no longer available.

Indications for Levaquin

Adults only

Adults and children

Pros and Cons for Levaquin

Pros

  • Usually taken once per day
  • Available as tablets, oral liquid, and injection
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Has many potentially serious side effects and risks (e.g, nerve issues, irregular heartbeat)
  • Might cause muscle, bone, and joint problems in children
  • Interacts with some antacids and multivitamins

Common Side Effects for Levaquin

  • Nausea (7%)
  • Headache (6%)
  • Diarrhea (5%)
  • Trouble sleeping (4%)

Warnings for Levaquin

  • Tendon inflammation and rupture
  • Effects on the brain, nerves, and mental health
  • Worsening of myasthenia gravis
  • Severe allergic and skin reactions
  • Liver damage
  • Severe blood vessel (aorta) damage
  • Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
  • Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
  • Muscle, bone, and joint problems in children
  • Sun and light sensitivity

Prices with our coupons for Sirturo vs. Levaquin

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Sirturo24 tablets / 100mg
$3,682.84-
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Levofloxacin7 tablets / 500mg
$9.88$11.94
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